A Professional Development Program (PDP) is just what it says – an opportunity for professional staff to undertake professional development. The University provides a range of opportunities for professional staff to maintain and improve their professional knowledge through the professional development program scheme. Such programs are expected to enhance the professional and vocational knowledge and skills of the staff member on a personal level, with respect to their current and future employment at QUT. The Professional Development Program (PDP) for Professional Staff is administered centrally by the PDP(PS) Committee to ensure that professional staff at all levels and from all areas of the University have access to professional development opportunities. Professional staff, including research assistants and senior research assistants, are eligible to apply for professional development leave.
The program enables professional staff to:
- maintain and improve professional and vocational knowledge
- obtain practical experience in the workplace in activities not available in the University
- where appropriate, undertake specialised project work as approved by the University
- attend conferences and visit other organisations.
- Applications close Friday, 17 February for 5 March meeting.
- Applications close Thursday, 26 April for 7 - 11 May meeting.
- Applications close Thursday, 26 July for 6 - 10 August meeting.
- Applications close Thursday, 1 November for 12 - 16 November meeting.
What sort of professional development activities can I undertake?
What obligations are involved?
What sort of professional development activities can I undertake?
The QUT scheme assists professional staff to (among other things):
- attend conferences
- make study visits to a variety of organisations
- participate in technical skills or other training
- gain work experience at other organisations/institutions.
Examples of programs undertaken
The Professional Development Program (Professional Staff) does not support leave to undertake study. However, if the study leave is combined with other development activities (for example conference attendance or visits to other organisations), funding may be granted for these activities.
The Vice-Chancellor may require a staff member on a professional development program to carry out duties relevant to QUT's activities.
Special initiatives
The Professional Development Program (Professional Staff) policy (MOPP B/12.8.2) states that the Professional Development Program Committee (Professional Staff) may nominate priority areas or groups of staff for professional development programs.
In this light, a number of conferences which are predominantly attended by staff employed at HEW6 or below are specifically supported by the Professional Development Program (Professional Staff). To apply to attend a conference listed below, please complete the PDP(PS) application form, noting the specific completion requirements on page 5 for 'special initiative' applications. Staff are requested to review the PDP Obligations before applying, as these are also applicable to Special Initiative PDP sponsorship.
Specific conferences supported by the PDP (PS) in 2011 included:
- Office Professionals Conference: 25-26 August, 2011; Gold Coast, QLD.
- TechNet Conference: December 2011; Bathurst, NSW.
Specific conferences supported by the PDP (PS) in 2012 will be advised after the 5 March 2012 meeting.
Am I eligible?
The following professional staff, including research assistants and senior research assistants [at HEW10 or below], are eligible:
- with an ongoing appointment or on a fixed term contract*
- who have completed 12 months continuous employment at QUT before undertaking a program
- whose employment is assured beyond the completion of the program*
- who have not had PDP leave in the last two years.
*If you are on a fixed-term contract which finishes shortly after your PDP, you will need to provide a letter from your supervisor, assuring your future employment, with your application.
Where can I go?
Generally, programs are undertaken outside QUT. They may be:
- local
- national
- international.
Wherever the best opportunity exists for you to gain the best experience.
How long can my program last?
- Minimum is generally 5 working days (may be less for HEW6 and below)
- Maximum is normally up to 6 months
- Up to 12 months' leave may be granted on the Committee’s recommendation and at the Registrar’s discretion.
What support will I receive?
- All travel costs: airfares, car hire, taxis etc
- Some accommodation/meals allowance (approximately $40 per day)
- HEW6 and below may get conference fees paid
- HEW6 and below may get some contribution to ‘backfilling’ their position while they are on professional development leave.
Some support from the local area is usually expected.
More information on the nature and level of support provided by the PDP Committee funds.